Technology Overview

SDU researchers have identified a novel target; namely microfibrillar-associated protein 4 (MFAP4, ). MFAP4, is fixed in the extracellular matrix and is permissive for integrin-dependent activation of inflammatory and vascular cells, causing inflammation and vascular growth.

Furthermore, MFAP4 is associated to fibrotic deposition and is an inducer of fibrosis. SDU have produced and humanized a new antibody targeting MFAP4 (). The antibody is a candidate for stand-alone or combination therapeutics against conditions involving neovascularization, inflammation and fibrosis in the eye and therefore potentially targets vascular ophthalmic complications such as wet (advanced) age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and diabetic macular edema (DME), and especially targets the large patient group not responding well to therapies offered today (anti-VEGF).

Figure 3: Proof of concept in animal disease models

Figure 4: Competitive edge

Stage of Development

SDU are in the pre-clinical development phase, establishing Proof-of-Concept in the gold standard Macaca model of wet AMD and differentiation-to-standard care by reduced pathological fibrosis and inflammation and low injection frequency. Prior to GMP production of this antibody and moving into clinical trials, they plan to incorporate DARETherapeutics ApS and are seeking investment hereto.

Opportunity

SDU believe that when the anti-MFAP4 therapy is successfully developed, a high market penetration would be expected for the opportunity to co-administer anti-MFAP4 with standard care (anti-VEGF) treatment of wAMD and DR/DME patients. Furthermore, SDU foresee the potential to penetrate a new market for patients not responding to standard care. In this scenario, the estimated anti-MFAP4 therapy would benefit 4.25 million antiVEGF non-responders with a global market size of approximately $860 million per year. SDU are looking for investment or partnering.

DARETherapeutics - Developing a Next Generation Treatment for Wet AMD and DME

Patents

IP Status

Seeking